2023 has seen the start of a new beginning here at K–pop bangsong. Branching out from our humble K-pop-focused beginnings, being introduced to a new wide range of genres from Korean rock, Punk and Indie, we have had the opportunity to cover some incredible artists across Korea’s lesser-known genres.

Today, we will investigate Korea’s Electronica scene as we review one of Korea’s most exciting singer-songwriters whose style incorporates various sounds and styles from across different eras and genres. 

KANG New gained extensive musical history, previously a Vocalist and Guitarist of a rock band whilst studying in Japan. Now back in Korea, KANG New founded the electronic label LetzRatz alongside fellow electronica musician and producer Far Hamster. The musician has become known amongst Korea’s independent club scene. Performing at the likes of, We Are All Trans-People, Seoul Queer Bodies and the DBGC Pride Month Tour. Some of the Country’s most successful LGBTQIA+-led events.

Now, with their third release of 2023, Here is the Thing sees KANG New release their first EP. An experimental album that sees the artist incorporate sounds from classic 80s groove, dance and synth-wave in a 5-song, 15-minute tracklist displaying all of the artist’s musical sides. 

Grief

Starting the EP, Kang New opens with “Grief.” A simple but addicting beat, the song uses a synthesizer and drum machine to create a simple but repetitive sound; lending perfectly to the artist’s soft-spoken lyrics about death and gore. Paying respect to the animals that passed away during the Korean summer floods, which saw numerous houses flooded in the Cheongju area.

The song also has a 90’s vibe to it, perfectly fitted to a vintage video game. The synthesizer sounds are perfect for sound effects in Tetris or horror games. Whilst, the song’s lyrics express the horrible scenes that took place across the scenes of what has become known as some of Korea’s worst floods. 

The Sun From Mars (feat. Fat Hamster)

Collaborating with fellow labelmate and electronica musician Fat Hamster. “The Sun From Mars” adopts a darker tone as KANG New uses the track to express the issues of climate change and pollution that have risen over the years. The song serves as a cautionary tale of life away from Earth and on Mars; the planet which people often assume to be the second planet for people to live on. The song serves as a cautionary tale for those not actively working to lower their carbon footprint. The addition of Fat Hamster, a vegan musician working on the track sound and engineering, makes the song stand out even more in the EP as one of the most lyrically important songs.

Kill This Sound

Changing up the sound once again, “Kill This Sound” sounds reminiscent of a classic 80’s synth-pop song. Displaying a mixture of instrumentals from drums, guitars, keyboards and moody bass. It is arguably the closest the artist has gotten to venturing into pop.

KANG’s unique singing ability and narration ensure that the song keeps its electronic style and helps further the message and story. The song’s sense of funk showcases the various musical talents of KANG New.

Nuna

A slower and more sombre song now, as the tone changes again into a darker song about losing someone close and the feeling of grief and looking back upon those times and trying to carry on with life. 

The song is an emotional tale for all those who have lost someone in the past and is not only a personal favourite. But also the EP’s most relatable song.

Mohano

Finishing the EP, KANG ends on the most experimental sound of the EP as the artist switches the sound, incorporating a wide range of instruments, including East Asian drums and strings. The song brings back a different era and time in history. Helping further create a dystopian vibe throughout. Its mixture of classical East Asian instruments and modern engineering works as the perfect ending to a widely experimental EP.

Overall, Here is the Thing is a distinctive and unique EP that showcases various styles of KANG New’s musical ability. Introducing us to Fat Hamster. The EP serves as a great introduction to those looking to explore electronica and or other Korean genres outside of K-pop. It leaves us asking what’s next for KANG New? After showing great ability through shouting, singing and narrating, the artist is definitely one to watch out for as one of Korea’s most exciting and unpredictable musicians.

Have you listened to Here is the Thing? What’s your favourite song from the EP? Let us know in the comments below or on Instagram and Twitter